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“How did you hear about today’s RAM Clinic?” is one of the first questions patients answer at registration. Many patients, like Riley, hear about us from friends and family who have attended Remote Area Medical (RAM®) Clinic before.
Riley came to the clinic on Saturday morning with her boyfriend, Liam, and his mother. Liam’s mother had been to a RAM Clinic before. She knew it was the perfect opportunity for the young couple to get the dental and vision care they needed but had not been able to afford.
Getting Comfort and Care at a RAM Clinic
For Riley, being at the clinic with people she knew and trusted made the experience much more comfortable and enjoyable. Liam’s mother spent the day going back and forth between Riley and Liam, checking in to make sure they were still comfortable while receiving care. These check-ins helped Riley stay calm and take her mind off her fear of doctors and dentists.
“I was a little bit nervous when I arrived. I would definitely do it again, and I would recommend it to other people,” Riley said.
Putting Off Primary and Preventative Care
Riley couldn’t remember the last time she saw a healthcare provider. Between her fear of doctors and the price to see one, she had put off care for as long as possible.
“I’ve just kind of avoided going. Because I don’t really like [going to] the doctor, don’t like the price of it, everything like that,” Riley said.
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Riley is not alone. Every year, we hear from many patients who have delayed care because they were afraid, could not afford it, or both.
Riley enjoys her job at the local Hobby Lobby. Unfortunately, her job does not provide health insurance. After her bills are paid, there is not enough left for routine care like biannual dental exams, annual wellness checks, or annual eye exams.
But because of the RAM Clinic in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Riley did not have to put off care any longer.
More Than a Cleaning
Riley and Liam both came to the clinic for dental care. Riley thought she only needed a cleaning. But an x-ray from one of RAM’s volunteers showed she also needed a filling for a cavity that had been bothering her.
Riley was nervous about the filling, but the volunteer dentists talked with her and got to know her throughout the procedure. Riley said that helped calm her nerves.
RAM volunteers work hard to help patients feel comfortable during their clinic visit. That is one reason patients often say volunteers made their clinic experience so meaningful.
Free Vision Care at the RAM Clinic
After Riley’s cavity was filled, she and Liam also received free vision exams. Riley had not seen an eye doctor or gotten new glasses in at least six years. Her vision had changed, and she was struggling to see.
For many of RAM’s patients, new glasses fall to the bottom of the budget. New glasses can cost hundreds of dollars. So patients put off the exam and the glasses until suddenly, years have gone by.
That’s where RAM can help. At RAM Clinics, vision exams and prescription eyeglasses are free. Patients do not have to choose between clear vision and other necessities.
Finding a RAM Clinic near you year after year means you will always be able to have up to date eye exams and glasses. Find a RAM free clinic near you here.
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania Free Clinic – Day Two
On Sunday morning, Riley returned as one of the first patients in the door. After getting her cavity filled the day before, she came back for the cleaning she originally expected to receive on Saturday. Because she arrived early, she was able to see a volunteer dental hygienist quickly before heading home for the rest of her day off.
Riley is not typically a ‘morning person,’ but she said it was worth waking up early to get the care she needed. She spent the rest of her day relaxing, knowing that she and Liam had received care that would have otherwise cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
More About RAM
Help patients like Riley and Liam have access to free, quality care. Make a donation to RAM today.
Want to volunteer to provide compassionate care to patients like Riley? Register to volunteer today.
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Read more patient stories, volunteer stories, and updates on our blog.
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